Charleston, South Carolina. Known for its lively arts and culture, beautiful coastal views, sunny beaches, quaint neighborhoods, and rich history, this vibrant American city is a travel destination for international visitors all year round. Located on the southern East Coast of the United States, Charleston is an ideal destination for anyone seeking warm temperatures and some good old Southern hospitality. But did you know it’s also a booming destination for cruises?
While its southerly neighbor, Florida, may have more of a reputation for being the ideal place from which embark on a cruise, the Charleston cruise terminal might change that. Some of the world’s largest cruise companies have made Charleston their home, offering many different voyages beginning at this South Carolina starting point. What’s even better is that there’s lots to see and do in the city, both before you set sail and when you return. And did we mention the beaches? You may not have to go all the way south to take off on the trip of your dreams. Find out below whether Charleston could be the cruise port for you!
Why Sail From Charleston?
One of the main reasons folks choose Charleston as their cruise port is simply for its central location on the East Coast. Many people who live farther north may find it challenging to spend the time and money required to travel to locations like Miami for their take-off.
Charleston is located within a day’s drive of several major cities, including Wilmington, Fayetteville, Charlotte, Ashville, Atlanta, Savannah, and many more. It’s also easily accessible by air and train, making the first part of your cruise journey quick and easy.
Another main pro in choosing Charleston as your cruise port is simply the city itself. Cruisers enjoy having lots of things to see and do on either end of their cruise, especially when those activities are located close to port. From checking out the many marvelous historical sites to finding live music and entertainment on any given night, Charleston can be its own part of your cruise vacation if you’re willing to explore a little.
Cruise Lines in Charleston
While many ships use Charleston’s port as a stop during their journey, there are three main cruise lines that operate from Charleston all year round for longer, holiday-style expeditions. There are also many day-trip cruise options and even some evening dining experiences for folks looking for something a little shorter.
There are five main ships that operate out of Charleston, regularly run by three different cruise lines — Carnival, American Cruise Lines, and Silversea Cruises.
Carnival
Carnival is one of the world’s largest cruise lines, and it offers experiences tailored to all types of travelers, from young families with energetic kids to couples interested in romantic getaways for two. It offers many budget-friendly cabin options in addition to more luxurious suites, as well as plenty of activities and entertainment aboard the ship.
Carnival has two main ships in South Carolina, the Ecstasy and the Sunshine. The Sunshine is the larger of the two; this massive ship travels to destinations such as the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The Ecstasy is for those looking for a bit more peace and quiet, but rest assured it offers similar entertainment as its larger counterpart.
American Cruise Lines
If Carnival is where the party is, then American Cruise Lines is for the peace-seekers. A much more intimate experience awaits those who board the two ships run by American, as they operate smaller, environmentally conscious ships and focus on sailing the U.S. coastline and larger rivers that connect in and out of the coast along the way.
American’s two ships are the American Star and the Independence, which both take you on American Cruise Lines’ Historic South and Golden Isles route. This trip takes you throughout the Intracoastal Waterways (a scenic, protected water network connecting many Southern cities) and tours the islands in the area. While these ships may not be as grandiose as Carnival’s, there’s definitely no shortage of entertainment, dining experiences, and rich history to witness on these spacious yet intimate ships.
Silversea
Silversea has been in operation since 1994 and is based in Monaco, priding itself on being the pinnacle of luxury at sea. Its ships travel all over the world and offer world-class experiences to those looking for something a little more elite.
In Charleston, Silversea has one ship, The Silver Wind, which operates out of the Charleston cruise terminal on a regular basis. This newly refurbished ship boasts a world-class selection of fine dining experiences, entertainment, beautiful pools, and spacious balcony rooms overlooking the ocean.
Where Can I Sail From Charleston?
The different lines stopping in at the Charleston cruise terminal offer a diverse selection of destinations for sailing. Carnival often sets off on tropical adventures — think beautiful sandy beaches and blue water as far as the eye can see — through the Caribbean, The Bahamas, and Bermuda on journeys of varying lengths and luxury levels. American Cruise Lines will bring you north and south along the coastline, stopping at historic coastal towns and major U.S. river networks. Silversea’s Charleston-departing cruise also offers an 11-day journey through the Caribbean.
Depending on your dream destination, it’s worth checking out the other ships that stop at Charleston on their way up or down the coast. You may be surprised at all the destinations you can reach when embarking from Charleston.
Depending on what you’re looking for in a cruise experience, the selection and varying styles of ships operating out of Charleston are worthy contenders to consider when you’re figuring out where to set sail from for your next getaway. If the vibrant city itself isn’t enough to sway you, then perhaps take a quick look at how traveling from Charleston could save you both time and money.
